Here's the scene:
My STAP party just finished the Parrot Island encounter, it is the night after old Keltar Islaran met his grisly end, and they have gathered some preliminary info on the Lotus Dragons.
Now - one of the PCs is the daughter of Arwyn Arabani, representative for Merchant District (the player sold me on a cool idea involving this family, so we changed some info from the Player's Guide).
This PC has just had a knock-down, drag-out fight with her mother about the information suggesting noble involvement in the crimes/accidents that have hit Sasserine in the last month (mom thinks the other characters are trying to build a conspiracy to undermine the Dawn Council basically). The PC storms out of the manor in the middle of the night to take a walk along the shore and clear her head (yes, by herself).
She is walking through an alley when tanglefoot bags fall and block both ends, effectively trapping her. On top of the two buildings are three junior Lotus Dragons, who had orders to deliver the 'warning letter', but who thought to have some 'fun' with her first.
As this is going on, a good Samaritan was walking by this alley when the tanglefoot bags were dropped. Hearing the conversation (and the hooligans' intentions), she proceeds to render aid as the PC uses her magic to blind the baddies. Two of the three are slain outright by the Samaritan, while the third ran away.
The PC was grateful to her savior, and took her to the Rusty Pirate for drinks and some good conversation about how Sasserine is going to heck in a handbasket and needs some young, action-oriented people to take the reins and get things under control. They head back to their respective homes after several hours, a fast-friendship already built.
And who is the good Samaritan, you ask? One Rowyn Kellani....
She had sent these three to deliver the message because they were flunkies who weren't good for much else (they're so low in the organization they haven't even met her yet). When she saw them disobeying orders, she seized on the opportunity to "take out some trash" and to get in the good graces of one of the adventurers investigating the Lotus.
The plan went off perfectly. The one thief who got away will be eliminated upon his return for 'botching up the mission', and the PC is none the wiser. The only possible twist is that Rowyn does like this PC, which is why she will try to recruit her (and the others) into the Lotus when they finally storm the guildhall.
Sorry that was so long-winded, but this idea just came to me yesterday, and was played out last night in game. Does anyone think this idea is workable, or is it maybe stretching a bit too far?
I'll take all the counsel and feedback I can get on this one. Thanks!
Your Friendly Neighborhood Dalesman
"Bringing Big D**n Justice to the Bad Guys Since 1369 DR"
I agree. That is one of the better ideas I have heard. It is cool and pretty sneaky doing something like that.
Absolutely delicious intrigue, Dalesman! This is the type of thing I enjoy doing in my own games. Give them moral dillemmas, split the party down the middle, and watch them squabble amongst themselves over the "right" or best thing to do. Please let us know how things go when the other shoe drops.
Thanks guys! I really wanted to make at least one villain in TINH that the party would hate to hate :)
Gavgoyle brings up a good point that I'm wrestling with even now. In order for this to have any sense of completion, I feel like I have to ensure Rowyn's escape at the end of TINH so there can be a rematch later.
I've changed her two potions out for potion tooth capsules (ala Complete Warrior) to give her a better chance of escaping, but I'm still trying to finalize an ironclad plan that will allow her to escape. I really want her to be more than a 'one shot wonder' now that I've gone down this path. If anyone has ideas on this, I am all ears.
And Steve - I will indeed let you know what happens when that shoe drops sir. My party may not think the intrigue tastes good, but I know we do ;P
Your Friendly Neighborhood Dalesman
"Bringing Big D**n Justice to the Bad Guys Since 1369 DR"
Oopsy - I forgot to mention the one other yummy bit of intrigue going on (apologies all):
The fight I described between Arwyn Arabani and the daughter PC has now put the idea into the PC's head that Arwyn might be one of the nobles involved in the Lotus Dragons. The daughter is now affiliated with the Dawn Council as well, so this could be an interesting fireworks show...
Your Friendly Neighborhood Dalesman
"Bringing Big D**n Justice to the Bad Guys Since 1369 DR"
|
Probably the easiest way to have a near iron-clad out is for one of those tooth capsules hold a Potion of Gaseous Form. She's about ready to tank, cracks down on the capsule and dissolves into mist, rolling down a small pipe or hole drilled into the base of the wall that empties outside of the complex. She keeps her gear that she has on/is holding and keeps an incredible mad-on for the group. She still knows the town inside and out and can find a place to hold-up and heal for a few days while stoking her revenge.
Probably the easiest way to have a near iron-clad out is for one of those tooth capsules hold a Potion of Gaseous Form. She's about ready to tank, cracks down on the capsule and dissolves into mist, rolling down a small pipe or hole drilled into the base of the wall that empties outside of the complex. She keeps her gear that she has on/is holding and keeps an incredible mad-on for the group. She still knows the town inside and out and can find a place to hold-up and heal for a few days while stoking her revenge.
Good point. Rowyn is already listed in TINH as having a potion of gaseous form and a potion of cure moderate wounds, so I've turned those into the potion capsules for my encounter. I'm hoping that simple change will be enough to guarantee her escape without having to pull out anything cheesy (like her mother getting her body back and paying for a raise dead spell, or something like that).
My only other concern (which just hit me now) is if her getting away will really kill the PCs victory. Vanthus will already be gone - does yanking Rowyn away too just steal all the sense of accomplishment, or will the party appreciate the feat of breaking the back of the Lotus and saving the harbor? Oh bother....
Your Friendly Neighborhood Dalesman
"Bringing Big D**n Justice to the Bad Guys Since 1369 DR"
|
|
Rowyn is already listed in TINH as having a potion of gaseous form and a potion of cure moderate wounds, so I've turned those into the potion capsules for my encounter.
Oops... maybe that's why it seemed like such a good idea. I don't have the issue here at work so I couldn't double check her inventory.
I wouldn't worry about her getting away as long as you keep her revenge on the 'near-term' side of things. Her operation is in shambles, most of her people are probably dead, her beloved pet has been killed, and they know her identity. She'll either have to move quick or hope to take them out a ways in the future after recouping a lot of lost assets. As it is, her family name is in dire jeapordy, so that may force her into a corner .
Well, I don't have an update yet on the confrontation with Rowyn, but some interesting developments have occurred:
When my party found out about Keltar Islaran's death, the rogue (who happens to be a Tibbit) snuck off to try and get into the crime scene and dig up some clues in the middle of the night. I will skip the story involved with that to save space - suffice it to say that it was ingenious and risky (and good dice rolls were on the PC's side).
She gets in and manages to evade detection, eventually gaining entrance to Keltar's room. It is still a gory mess, and has been looked over by the Azure Watch already. She clambers around carefully (avoiding leaving tracks in all the blood) and manages to find some clues.
Now I just had to reward her hard work and great stealth skills, so I let her find a broken tooth in the bloody sheets, and a claw mark on the back of the headboard with a scale embedded therein. (My take on the murder was that the Kellanis had several members of the Islaran staff/guards in their pockets, allowing Rowyn to sneak in with Gut-Tugger and let him use old Keltar as a chew-toy).
They then spent the following morning asking a sage in Nobles District, exotic animal merchants in the East Market of Azure District, and some of the big game "procurers" for the Arena in Champions District about their evidence. They have been informed that the items are from either a small green dragon or perhaps a felldrake of some kind.
Their next move is to head over to the Taxidermist's Guildhall to check out the lead in Penkus' note and get another opinion on the scale and tooth.
Now I wonder if I should have Rowyn show up after the events at the Taxidermist's Hall to offer her help in the PCs' investigation and search of the place. Hmmm........
Your Friendly Neighborhood Dalesman
"Bringing Big D**n Justice to the Bad Guys Since 1369 DR"
Now I wonder if I should have Rowyn show up after the events at the Taxidermist's Hall to offer her help in the PCs' investigation and search of the place. Hmmm........
If you did, I would do it with a purpose. Not wanting them to bring harm to Guttugger, she would lead them away from a felldrake and more towards maybe Lizard Men or a snake of some sort.
If you did, I would do it with a purpose. Not wanting them to bring harm to Guttugger, she would lead them away from a felldrake and more towards maybe Lizard Men or a snake of some sort.Now I wonder if I should have Rowyn show up after the events at the Taxidermist's Hall to offer her help in the PCs' investigation and search of the place. Hmmm........
Indeed - more red herrings to throw them off would have been good, but I decided to drop that idea. Rowyn is still not on their list for the identity of the 'Lady Lotus' - they think it is either Heldrath Kellani or Arwyn Arabani (the mother of one of the PCs). So rather than potentially tip them off with a conspicuous arrival, I'm watching them wrestle with what to do if it is Arwyn - and I'm loving every minute of it :)
They have cleaned out the guild, with the exception of the rooms off of the Training Hall, where Rowyn is waiting for them. Maybe I should have Rowyn disguise herself as Arwyn. With all of the disguising she will do in 'Sea Wyvern's Wake' it could set a good precedent...
Your Friendly Neighborhood Dalesman
"Bringing Big D**n Justice to the Bad Guys Since 1369 DR"
Good point. Rowyn is already listed in TINH as having a potion of gaseous form and a potion of cure moderate wounds, so I've turned those into the potion capsules for my encounter. I'm hoping that simple change will be enough to guarantee her escape without having to pull out anything cheesy (like her mother getting her body back and paying for a raise dead spell, or something like that).
My only other concern (which just hit me now) is if her getting away will really kill the PCs victory. Vanthus will already be gone - does yanking Rowyn away too just steal all the sense of accomplishment, or will the party appreciate the feat of breaking the back of the Lotus and saving the harbor? Oh bother....
Your Friendly Neighborhood Dalesman
"Bringing Big D**n Justice to the Bad Guys Since 1369 DR"
Perhaps if you play up Rowyn's anger and despair at the loss of her guild and the stain on her family reputation, the PCs will feel more of a sense of accomplishment.
I love this line of play. My players have already breeched the guild hall by way of the the well (sewer drain in my game). I am sure the will go back top side once the find the way.
I am going to intro The lady dragon somehow. Not sure. Any ideas.
Perhaps if you play up Rowyn's anger and despair at the loss of her guild and the stain on her family reputation, the PCs will feel more of a sense of accomplishment.Good point. Rowyn is already listed in TINH as having a potion of gaseous form and a potion of cure moderate wounds, so I've turned those into the potion capsules for my encounter. I'm hoping that simple change will be enough to guarantee her escape without having to pull out anything cheesy (like her mother getting her body back and paying for a raise dead spell, or something like that).
My only other concern (which just hit me now) is if her getting away will really kill the PCs victory. Vanthus will already be gone - does yanking Rowyn away too just steal all the sense of accomplishment, or will the party appreciate the feat of breaking the back of the Lotus and saving the harbor? Oh bother....
Your Friendly Neighborhood Dalesman
"Bringing Big D**n Justice to the Bad Guys Since 1369 DR"
That might work - although the very slow process of handing down judgement on the Kellani family will be more frustrating than satisfying methinks - darned bureaucrats!!! :)
On the other hand, the party just found the War Room and all of the information there. Though they don't understand everything they found in there, they do realize that the Lotus Dragons are up to something big, so I think they have the right 'big picture' perspective now.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Dalesman
"Bringing Big D**n Justice to the Bad Guys Since 1369 DR"
I love this line of play. My players have already breeched the guild hall by way of the the well (sewer drain in my game). I am sure the will go back top side once the find the way.
I am going to intro The lady dragon somehow. Not sure. Any ideas.
Well, I would ask these questions first to get a basic idea of where to go with your Lady Dragon:
- Do you want her to have a recurring role in the Savage Tide (either as written or expanded upon), or do you think she is better off as a memorable 'one-shot' encounter?
- Are you thinking about making Rowyn a more active defender in the attack on the guild hall, or do you want her to wait and ambush them when the PCs think they are done and are potentially at their weakest?
- Do you think (based on your party's playing style) that you could have the encounter with her start with dialogue and role-play, or would it go straight to combat?
I know these don't directly answer your question, but my hope is that answering them will start to generate some ideas that you can build on.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Dalesman
"Bringing Big D**n Justice to the Bad Guys Since 1369 DR"
Absolutely delicious intrigue, Dalesman! This is the type of thing I enjoy doing in my own games. Give them moral dillemmas, split the party down the middle, and watch them squabble amongst themselves over the "right" or best thing to do. Please let us know how things go when the other shoe drops.
The other shoe has finally dropped, and what a sound it made:
The final confrontation occurred in Rowyn's lounge, where she was waiting patiently for the PCs to arrive. She knew what they did to her guild, but her anger was tempered by pragmatism. The PC who was her friend (Lillawyn) recognized her voice and moved to the front of the group, relieved that it wasn't her mother (Anwyn Arabani) but still shocked at Rowyn being there.
For the next hour we roleplayed out a battle of ideologies: Rowyn argued that Sasserine needed her to control the harbor and protect it from another incursion (like the Sea Princes). Old Keltar was too old and blind to do his job anymore, and the laws and traditions involved with obtaining the position of Harbormaster would take too long (or get bogged down in bureaucracy and never happen). Sasserine needed an organized 'underworld' - that was weakest line of defense the city had to oursiders coming in and taking over again. She could protect the city (and turn a tidy profit too)...
Lillawyn countered that, while Rowyn's idealogy was sound, her path to implementing it was no better than the Sea Princes who lorded over Sasserine for a century. She could not profess to wanting to protect Sasserine while murdering any citizens that get in the way of her quest for power. Participating in and/or sanctioning the murder of three fellow nobles did not make Sasserine stronger - it just showed that the greatest threat came from within its own walls. The government may be imperfect, but at least it allows for the possibility of change without having to stage a revolution to do so.
Rowyn made her final offer to the party to "be with her or against her". Because she truly wanted her friend on her side, she gave the PCs a few minutes to confer. The party was torn almost down the middle on this, but in the end they could not accept Rowyn's ruthless form of self-advancement.
What was going to be a duel of honor between the two women devolved into a free-for-all, with Rowyn finally being subdued with a charm person spell cast by Lillawyn.
Rowyn is now in custody, the evidence almost ironclad against her, and the hangman's noose looming in her future. The torture will be that this trial will most likely drag on for well over a year before it is concluded (Heldrath Kellani will fight the charges to save her family name and to save face). Lillawyn is literally sick over this - the very bureaucracy that both she and Rowyn hate is going to make her remaining days a living hell, and there is nothing she can do about it...except to give Rowyn one other option.
Lillawyn arranged to have a small dagger delivered to Rowyn's cell, to give her the chance to save her family name, her dignity and to not sit in a cage and rot for months in torment.
The party is about to attend the celebration in their honor that the Dawn Council has set up. This will also be Lillawyn's one chance to talk to Heldrath Kellani and beg her to not fight the charges against her daughter, and to let her go to her destiny without too much suffering. It will be a bittersweet night indeed for my heroes - a night of glory and of tears....
The only other thing I can say right now is that my party brought their 'A-game' and made this a session to remember - and I am so very proud of them for doing so.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Dalesman
"Bringing Big D**n Justice to the Bad Guys Since 1369 DR"
That's a great story, Dalesman - you've really brought the Rowyn of your campaign to life beyond the extent of the original adventure. I do hope you're planning to bring her back in The Sea Wyvern's Wake - the possibilities for expanding her intentions and motivations in that chapter look very promising.
That's a great story, Dalesman - you've really brought the Rowyn of your campaign to life beyond the extent of the original adventure. I do hope you're planning to bring her back in The Sea Wyvern's Wake - the possibilities for expanding her intentions and motivations in that chapter look very promising.
Yes - perhaps a jailbreak - or to really add some conflicted feelings - her families wealth gets the charges dropped. In the process soiling other families names and reputations.
Now she has a knife given to her by a former friend that can only be used on one person... (kinda like Capt. Jack Sparrow's gun - one shot only meant for an old friend).
The things you could do to tear apart the party again are countless... I really hope you take her further - maybe even further than The third installment. If she could be reformed and overcome her heartbreak and betrayal - maybe even become a replacement character? perhaps even if she kills off a character perhaps there is some manner in which she could replace and thus bring treachery to the rest of the party....
That's a great story, Dalesman - you've really brought the Rowyn of your campaign to life beyond the extent of the original adventure. I do hope you're planning to bring her back in The Sea Wyvern's Wake - the possibilities for expanding her intentions and motivations in that chapter look very promising.
No worries MarkB - Rowyn will definitely be returning to the stage in my Savage Tide!
With the modifications I made to her equipment, escaping (and even faking her own death at the same time) will be easy. The hard part will be getting my party to buck up and move on to Bullywug Gambit, but I'm working on an angle for that too... :)
Your Friendly Neighborhood Dalesman
"Bringing Big D**n Justice to the Bad Guys Since 1369 DR"
That's a great story, Dalesman - you've really brought the Rowyn of your campaign to life beyond the extent of the original adventure. I do hope you're planning to bring her back in The Sea Wyvern's Wake - the possibilities for expanding her intentions and motivations in that chapter look very promising.Yes - perhaps a jailbreak - or to really add some conflicted feelings - her families wealth gets the charges dropped. In the process soiling other families names and reputations.
Now she has a knife given to her by a former friend that can only be used on one person... (kinda like Capt. Jack Sparrow's gun - one shot only meant for an old friend).
The things you could do to tear apart the party again are countless... I really hope you take her further - maybe even further than The third installment. If she could be reformed and overcome her heartbreak and betrayal - maybe even become a replacement character? perhaps even if she kills off a character perhaps there is some manner in which she could replace and thus bring treachery to the rest of the party....
A jailbreak is indeed in the works Lex - I replaced both of her potions with potion tooth capsules (inspiration from Complete Warrior) which avoided detection, so she will probably do something like jump from the walls of Castle Teraknian when being led to trial, activate the potion of gaseous form, and just disappear into the foggy mists. It's not going to raise too many eyebrows if they can't find the body - tides and scavengers do take their toll...
I really like your idea of reformation though. To be honest, after this weekend's session, I don't think I could let her get killed off - everybody's too attached to her now. It would be so much more entertaining instead to have her try out the party's way of doing things, and maybe come around and 'remake' herself in the process. She could still stowaway on the Sea Wyvern as written - her motivation just changes to getting out of Sasserine and avoiding her sentence.
I love it when a plan comes together - thanks for the inspiration Lex!
Your Friendly Neighborhood Dalesman
"Bringing Big D**n Justice to the Bad Guys Since 1369 DR"
A jailbreak is indeed in the works Lex - I replaced both of her potions with potion tooth capsules (inspiration from Complete Warrior) which avoided detection, so she will probably do something like jump from the walls of Castle Teraknian when being led to trial, activate the potion of gaseous form, and just disappear into the foggy mists. It's not going to raise too many eyebrows if they can't find the body - tides and scavengers do take their toll...
I really like your idea of reformation though. To be honest, after this weekend's session, I don't think I could let her get killed off - everybody's too attached to her now. It would be so much more entertaining instead to have her try out the party's way of doing things, and maybe come around and 'remake' herself in the process. She could still stowaway on the Sea Wyvern as written - her motivation just changes to getting out of...
Your welcome - you have given me a lot of inspiration too. I can't wait to read more about your parties adventure :)
Really great ideas here for a DM beginning this adventure path- kudos!
Now she has a knife given to her by a former friend that can only be used on one person... (kinda like Capt. Jack Sparrow's gun - one shot only meant for an old friend).
I love this- how can you not use this dagger to enhance the story?
Really great ideas here for a DM beginning this adventure path- kudos!
Now she has a knife given to her by a former friend that can only be used on one person... (kinda like Capt. Jack Sparrow's gun - one shot only meant for an old friend).I love this- how can you not use this dagger to enhance the story?
Yeah, that's really nice. To beef up the dagger a bit, how about giving her the Item Familiar feat from Unearthed Arcana? You'll have to tweak it to allow her to take it for an item that's not maigcal to start with, but it's a really nice image, her pouring her rage into the dagger until it develops power and sentience of its own...
Or, if it's just a +1 dagger, let her turn it into a legacy weapon.
Another unexpected thread resurrection - talk about a good Monday pick-me-up! :)
I wish I had thought about that idea with the dagger - that could have made for one heck of an emotional rollercoaster:
Imagine Rowyn's initial rage being absorbed by the blade, gaining power and a kind of sentience. Then, while stowing away on the Wyvern, Rowyn finally has a change of heart ("The rage just left me. I can't really explain it..."). Unfortunately, the blade has other ideas. Enter the wonderful world of Personality Conflict, and the party doesn't know what's real and what's not.
Ah well, a good idea to save for another time >)
Your Friendly Neighborhood Dalesman
"Bringing Big D**n Justice to the Bad Guys Since 1369 DR"
The idea of the potion capsules is so frigging awesome. I never would have thought of it myself, but it does give Rowyn a nice little trump card.